After all, the two sides are mutually dependent, and need each other, Merkel noted. She expressed understanding of Russia’s insistence that market prices be paid for gas and oil delivered to Ukraine and Belarus.
Putin agreed to work towards the establishment of uniform, transparent, and clearly defined rules on energy issues.
Settling differences in the Middle East peacefully
Putin said he will actively support the achievement of a Middle East peace settlement in the Quartet framework. He called for an end to the violence in the Middle East, saying it is unacceptable in the eyes of the international community.
Merkel noted that that she will do everything she can to help resolve existing differences peacefully in accordance with the plan laid out in the Road Map.
EU-Russia partnership agreement
Merkel and Putin agreed to continue negotiations on the planned EU-Russia partnership agreement. "I hope we’ll be ready to resume negotiations soon on the European Union side," Merkel said.
Conclusion of the cooperation agreement was blocked by a Polish veto, motivated by Russia’s refusal to import meat from Poland. A settlement of this trade dispute is expected in the near future.
Strengthening UN role in Kosovo conflict
With regard to Kosovo Merkel said it will be necessary to wait for the results of a report due out soon from UN Special Envoy for Kosovo Martti Ahtisaari. She expressed hope that the Balkans will continue to develop peacefully, citing Slovenia as an example, where the euro was introduced last week.
Merkel and Putin agreed on the need to strengthen the United Nations’ role as a mediator in resolving conflicts and on its legitimacy in this role. Germany has a strong interest in United Nations reform with a view to achieving this objective.
Putin noted that the Russian view is that the conditions negotiated for Kosovo need to be acceptable both to Serbia and to Kosovo itself.
Multiple meetings ahead
Putin offered to cooperate closely with Germany during its G8 Presidency. He noted dynamic development in the German-Russian dialogue and strong growth in annual trade, saying it has passed the 40 billion dollar mark.
The two sides have a number of meetings on the near-term agenda. A joint energy forum is planned for next year. German-Russian intergovernmental consultations are scheduled for this fall. Russia will be this year’s partner country at CeBIT in Hanover in March. A meeting between the European Union and Russia is being held this spring. And Putin will attend the Munich Conference on Security Policy in February.
Merkel travelled to Russia for a brief visit to Sochi on the Black Sea. This was the first visit in her capacity as EU Council President and G8 Chair.
